RookReview

Alireza Firouzja Moves to Bulgaria — “I had no idea that he lives in Sofia now!”

Journalist and former FIDE Executive David Llada shared how he met Alireza Firouzja in the Bulgarian capital, Sofia. Llada and Firouzja met at the 2026 Sofia Cup: Balkan Rapid & Blitz Championships.

08.29 21:10

"Presidential campaign is a whole process. You need to talk to some people, need to bribe someone..." — Former Russian Chess Federation Executive Mark Glukhovsky

Former Executive Director of the Chess Federation of Russia, Mark Glukhovsky, spoke about his experience as a presidential campaign manager for Arkady Dvorkovich. The X account 'Chess Conspiracy' published a recording of Glukhovsky's monol…

08.28 22:09

“Gukesh understood that his style was good enough to conquer the world title. Now he wants to become more creative” — GM Mihail Marin

Romanian GM Mihail Marin shared his opinion on Gukesh Dommaraju's recent performance. Marin believes that Gukesh is changing his style and trying to play more creatively. Mihail cites as an example the consistent playstyle of 12th World Ch…

08.28 20:12

Pranesh, Xiong, and Terry Won Their 3 0 Thursdays on August 27

Indian GM Pranesh M scored 9 points with 8 victories and 2 draws to win the First 3 0 Thursday on August 27. American GM Jeffery Xiong and Peruvian IM Renato Terry scored 10.5 and 9.5 points to win the Second and Third 3 0 Thursday respect…

08.28 16:09

Sindarov: "I never predicted Gukesh would become World Champion..."

Javokhir Sindarov shared his thoughts on Gukesh Dommaraju in an interview with Hindustan Times. Sindarov believes Gukesh was in peak form at the 2022 and 2024 Olympiads, and notes that the World Championship match 2026 will be difficult fo…

08.28 15:48

Our main rivals at the Olympiad? Belgium and Luxembourg — Dutch GM Anish Giri

FIDE surveyed national team players ahead of the 2026 Chess Olympiad. FIDE asked them to name their teams' main rivals at the event. The responses often briefly mentioned the teams of USA, Uzbekistan, India and China:

08.28 15:01

“Winning the tournament is what matters for me” — Pragg on Earning $400,000 at the Grand Chess Tour

Praggnanandhaa R spoke about the money he earned at the Grand Chess Tour 2026. Pragg says that winning the event matters more to him, and notes financial support from his sponsor Adani Group. Pragg shared his thoughts in an interview with …

08.28 13:50

Praggnanandhaa R Wins Grand Chess Tour 2026

The 6th and last day of the Grand Chess Tour 2026 Finals in the USA has concluded. Praggnanandhaa R defeated Fabiano Caruana in the final with a score of 15-13. Wesley So defeated Vincent Keymer in the match for third place with a score of…

08.27 22:58

“US Chess Federation is trying to solicit donations for the Olympiad team. I find it pathetic” — Hikaru Nakamura 1

Hikaru Nakamura commented on US Chess Federation’s fundraising campaign for their players at the Chess Olympiad 2026. Nakamura states that USCF solicits donations, and calls the campaign pathetic.

08.27 19:09

"I cried almost every day that month..." — Assaubayeva on Women's Candidates 2026

Bibisara Assaubayeva spoke about how she played at the FIDE Women's Candidates Tournament 2026. Assaubayeva says she was upset that she didn’t win the tournament, and notes how her mother helped her.

08.27 17:42

Andrey Esipenko Leaves Virtus.pro

Esports organization Virtus.pro announced the end of their cooperation with Russian GM Andrey Esipenko. Virtus.pro did not specify whether Esipenko was kicked, the contract expired, or Andrey left the team voluntarily.

08.27 16:45

“Javokhir Sindarov is the favorite, chances about 60 to 40” — Vladislav Artemiev

Vladislav Artemiev shared his opinion on the FIDE World Championship 2026. Artemiev believes that the current match format is too long, and notes Javokhir Sindarov as the favorite.

08.27 15:36

Sindarov: "I want to be the best chess player in the world"

Javokhir Sindarov shared his goals for his chess career in an interview with Hindustan Times. Sindarov says he is currently trying to stabilize his rating above 2750. Javokhir notes that he wants to become the best chess player in the worl…

08.27 14:02

Caruana Leads by 6 Points — GCT Finals Day 5

The 5th day of the Grand Chess Tour 2026 Finals in the USA has concluded. GMs completed the Classical part of the Final in the second round.

08.26 23:24

Bibisara Assaubayeva Wins Gold and Silver at the WR Chess Women’s Tour Europe

The second and final day of the European part of the WR Chess Women’s Tour 2026 in France has concluded. Bibisara Assaubayeva won the Rapid part of the event and Anna Muzychuk won the Blitz part.

08.26 21:25